Then muttering the words, "Bowling Green, ten minutes," he walked away, going past the table where the man with the steeple-crowned hat had been sitting and carelessly knocking off the pewter. Picking it up, he looked at it and saw scratched on one side: "Follow Slater."
"So, this is another, as I supposed," he thought. "There are several spies in town, and they know me and are trying either to learn something or to get possession of me. We shall have to turn the tables on them."
He made his way to the Bowling Green, meeting on the way four or five of the Liberty Boys.
"Go up to Trinity church, boys," he said, "stroll about the place carelessly. There is British spy watching my movements and I wish to watch him and, if possible, to catch him. The man is short and rather stout and had a red face. There is another, who may not join him at once, who wears a black suit and a steeple-crowned hat and has a beard. He will send the other one first, I think."
"All right, Captain," replied the boy, whose name was Ben Spurlock. "We will watch him. Come along, Sam."
Dick had gone on, meanwhile, the boys proceeding in couples or singly to the church, where they scattered about waiting further instructions from the young captain. Bob appeared at the Bowling Green at the appointed time, and said:
"The fellow was cautious and did not follow me, but I suppose he will be at the church."
"Probably, as his instructions were to follow me. Did he stay as long as you did?"
"Yes, and remained after I left. You will see him at the church, no doubt. The other man may be there. Come into the nearest tavern and exchange coats with me. We will see if these men are observant or not."
"Very good," laughed Bob.